Chapter 5

“Gastropods. Shellfish. He was studying marine biology. Between my dodgy ear and the loud music, I’d misheard.”

Owen was chuckling, Penny laughing. “Oh, Max,” she said. “So no great food? No nice accommodation?”

“Fish and chips every night, and a tent.”

“Did you stay for the week?” Owen asked.

“Yes, but after the first night in the tent, I insisted we stay at a B&B for the rest of the time.”

“You’re such high-maintenance,” Penny said.

“Yep, I’m a diva.”

Owen was still laughing, shaking his head. “Gastropods,” he muttered and laughed again.

Max relaxed with relief, fearing how the story might have gone over. He wasn’t sure what Owen thought of him going off with a virtual stranger for a week of shellfish-watching—since he must know Max was there to do more than help the guy put the tent up. But he didn’t seem to be thinking about that aspect.

“We’d better order,” Noah said as the waiter arrived with the two bottles of wine.